Sethi urges continuation of NCW services in J&K till formation of Women’s Commission

Jammu, Mar 17: A deputation of Coordinators of Social Workers working under the National Commission for Women (NCW) New Delhi met senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister, Priya Sethi on Monday and apprised her of the challenges they are facing due to the closure of NCW’s unit in Jammu & Kashmir.
The deputation informed Priya Sethi that the NCW has appointed 40 Social Workers and 2 Coordinators in each district of J&K, on a consolidated basis to address issues related to women, according to a statement issued here. They highlighted that since the reorganisation of J&K in 2019, the NCW had closed its working, stating that the Union Territory would establish its own Women’s Commission. However, even after nearly five years, the J&K Government has not yet established the commission, leaving a crucial gap in addressing women’s issues, they said.
The deputation further apprised that they have played a vital in addressing issues related to women in distress by providing their additional services to One-Stop Sakhi Centres. They said their offices were set up at every police station at the district level to provide counselling and support to women in distress.
“Over 3,000 cases have been successfully resolved through these centres. However, with the NCW setting March 31, 2025, as the deadline for the payment of their remuneration, uncertainty looms over their future,” they said.
Priya Sethi lauded the contribution of these social workers in resolving women’s grievances and ensuring justice. She stressed that the continuation of the commission is the need of the hour, as women in J&K require sustained support and intervention.
She appealed to the NCW to extend its services in J&K until the Women’s Commission is formally established by the J&K Government, ensuring that the grievances of women do not go unheard.